The region’s most celebrated literary figure and language educator is set to publish four books this year under the home-grown publishing label Kasingkasing Press.

Among Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada’s new titles is Eerie, a collection of fourteen (14) English short stories in the horror genre which the author himself relates to real-life experiences while the other three releases will be in Hiligaynon: Mga Tinuga sang Kangitngit revisits the terminologies of Panay’s traditional folk tales, myths and legends; Praktikal Hiligaynon para sa mga Brodkaster kag mga Manunudlo is a language usage and grammar manual for professionals using Hiligaynon in the workplace, especially broadcast journalists and teachers; and Panimalay Ilonggo, a basic children’s language manual in Hiligaynon (partly with English explanations) for parents, primary school teachers and young readers.

Book launching at The Mango Tree during the ‎Produkto Lokal Weekend Fair
Photo by Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.

“His publications are sought after by many in the academe and literary circles not just in the region but throughout the country,” disclosed Noel G. de Leon, founder and publisher of Kasingkasing Press. “These are much anticipated titles that will surely have a big impact on how Ilonggos treasure their linguistic and literary heritage, and how Hiligaynon is being taught and used as a regional language.”

Photo by Noel G. De Leon

Often regarded as the ‘Father of Contemporary West Visayan Literature’, the vast majority of young writers in the region have gone through his tutelage in the many writing workshops and seminars he has either co-organized or participated in over the years. A seventeen-time recipient of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, many of his works have been published in literary anthologies and magazines both locally and internationally.

Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Often regarded as the ‘Father of Contemporary West Visayan Literature’
Photo by Carlo Gabriel Evidente

Throughout his teaching career, Deriada has been a staunch advocate for the use of local language inspiring many of his protégées to become distinguished writers in Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a and Aklanon apart from Filipino and English. Also touted as the region’s brightest hope for a National Artist Award for Literature, he received the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (Panitikan) from the Cultural Center of the Philippines last year showing little sign of slowing down or retiring from his craft.

LEONCIO P. DERIADA
Book Launch
SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 27 . 4 PM
THE MANGO TREE RESTAURANT
28 Guzman St., Mandurriao, 5000 Iloilo City
Presented by Kasingkasing Press and Hubon Manunulat
In cooperation with Produkto Lokal Weekend Fair and Youth First Initiative Philippines, Inc.